Childbirth Cost in North Dakota (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay
What does a childbirth cost in North Dakota?
For a commercially insured patient, a childbirth in North Dakota typically runs $5,144–$13,288 once facility and physician fees are combined. The median reported facility price across 25 hospitals is $1,275. The figures draw on CMS fee schedules and hospital price transparency data published under federal law.
Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius divide most of North Dakota's hospital market, with Bismarck and Fargo each effectively dominated by one system. The state's oil-economy wage growth has increased hospital labor costs, pushing prices above what the rural market structure would otherwise suggest. Critical access hospitals cover most of the rural tier. Childbirth costs are driven by delivery type and length of stay: vaginal deliveries average $5,000–$11,000 and C-sections $7,500–$14,500 before insurance, with facility fees dominating the bill. Most commercial plans cover labor and delivery after the deductible, but anesthesia (especially epidurals) and newborn care are often billed separately by different providers. Pre-authorizing the birth facility and confirming all attending providers are in-network before delivery avoids the most common billing surprises.
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Example: two commercially insured patients in Bismarck could pay ~$1,064 and ~$2,408 for the identical procedure - a $1,344 difference driven entirely by facility choice.
Where childbirth costs vary in North Dakota
Pins show hospitals with price-transparency data (colored by vs. state average) and nearby ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, and other facilities (colored by type). Click any pin for facility name and estimated cost range.
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Cheapest Childbirth Providers in North Dakota
Based on declared cash/self-pay prices from CMS hospital price transparency files.
| # | Facility | City | Price | vs Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PAM Cubed Rehabilitation Hospital of Fargo LLC | Fargo, ND | $540 | -$735 |
| 2 | Sanford Medical Center Bismarck | Bismarck, ND | $571 | -$704 |
| 3 | CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson | Dickinson, ND | $738 | -$537 |
| 4 | Altru Hospital Devils Lake | Devils Lake, ND | $1,055 | -$220 |
| 5 | Sanford Mayville Medical Center | Mayville, ND | $1,064 | -$211 |
| 6 | Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center | Hillsboro, ND | $1,064 | -$211 |
Prices are declared self-pay rates. Contact each facility for a formal quote before scheduling.
Quick take
- PAM Cubed Rehabilitation Hospital of Fargo LLC is the lowest-cost option at $540 - $735 below the state median, just by choosing where you go.
- Ask for the cash price if your deductible isn't met - the median cash price here is $1,307, and it's often lower than what insurance pays before your deductible is satisfied.
- This dataset covers hospitals only - freestanding ASCs, which routinely run 30-60% cheaper for the same procedure, aren't included, so it's worth asking your doctor whether one is an option.
How where you go changes what you pay for childbirth
The same childbirth bundles different services depending on the setting - facility fee, surgeon fee, and anesthesia each arrive as separate bills. Estimated ranges below reflect the typical full bundled cost, including all expected charges.
- Facility fee $503–$6,215
- Professional fee $131–$10,612
Estimated from CMS fee schedules + commercial rate multipliers
- Facility fee $118–$6,215
- Professional fee $131–$10,612
Estimated from CMS fee schedules + commercial rate multipliers
North Dakota Childbirth prices by facility
All prices below come from hospital chargemasters - the official price lists each hospital must publish under federal law. Gross charge is the undiscounted list price; cash price is the self-pay rate; negotiated range covers the spread across insurance contracts.
How we calculate "Your Price"
We prioritize cash price (the self-pay rate) over the negotiated rate, and only fall back to the gross charge, the inflated list price few people actually pay, when nothing else is reported.
| # | Facility | City | Your Price | vs Median | Gross Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Essentia Health Fargo | ND | $118 | -$1,157 | $277 |
| #2 | Altru Hospital | Grand Forks, ND | $1,430 | +$155 | $104–$5,535 |
| #3 | Sanford Fargo Medical Center | Fargo, ND | $516 | -$759 | $258–$8,559 |
| #4 | PAM Cubed Rehabilitation Hospital of Fargo LLC | Fargo, ND | $540 | -$735 | $189–$1,874 |
| #5 | Sanford Medical Center Bismarck | Bismarck, ND | $571 | -$704 | $208–$14,728 |
| #6 | CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson | Dickinson, ND | $738 | -$537 | $272–$4,810 |
| #7 | Altru Hospital Devils Lake | Devils Lake, ND | $1,055 | -$220 | $104–$5,535 |
| #8 | Sanford Mayville Medical Center | Mayville, ND | $1,064 | -$211 | $1,331–$4,173 |
| #9 | Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center | Hillsboro, ND | $1,064 | -$211 | $1,331–$4,173 |
| #10 | CHI St. Alexius Health Williston | Williston, ND | $1,128 | -$147 | $180–$4,771 |
| #11 | First Care Health Center | Park River, ND | $1,251 | -$24 | $1,251 |
| #12 | CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck | Bismarck, ND | $1,275 | +$0 | $606–$4,348 |
| #13 | SOUTHWEST HEALTHCARE SERVICES | Bowman, ND | $1,339 | +$64 | $1,488–$5,654 |
| #14 | Jamestown Regional Medical Center | Jamestown, ND | $1,866 | +$591 | $208–$7,677 |
| #15 | CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison | Garrison, ND | $2,070 | +$795 | $3,045–$3,191 |
| #16 | Langdon Prairie Health | Langdon, ND | $2,121 | +$846 | $237–$8,936 |
| #17 | Tioga Medical Center dba Tioga Medical Center | Tioga, ND | $2,599 | +$1,324 | $2,599–$5,536 |
| #18 | Mountrail County Medical Center | Stanley, ND | $2,639 | +$1,364 | $2,932–$3,575 |
| #19 | CHI St. Alexius Health Turtle Lake | Turtle Lake, ND | $2,822 | +$1,547 | $3,975 |
| #20 | Trinity Hospitals | Minot, ND | $4,970 | +$3,695 | $6,213 |
| #21 | Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center | Elgin, ND | $4,020 | +$2,745 | $5,361 |
| #22 | Kenmare Community Hospital | Kenmare, ND | $4,970 | +$3,695 | $6,213 |
| #23 | SMP Health - St. Aloisius dba SMP Health - St. Aloisius | Harvey, ND | $5,303 | +$4,028 | $5,892 |
| #24 | SMP Health - St. Andrews | Bottineau, ND | $5,591 | +$4,316 | $6,212 |
| #25 | St. Luke's Hospital | Po Box 10, ND | $6,215 | +$4,940 | $6,215 |
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Source: CMS hospital price transparency machine-readable files. vs Median = savings or premium relative to the state median price. Gross Charge = undiscounted list price for reference.
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Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage
A small number of hospitals (3) report prices above $5,235, including St. Luke's Hospital at $6,215, which drives most of the overall spread - excluding them, most facilities cluster in a much tighter band. Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $1,874 versus $1,263 inpatient, so where a procedure happens often matters more than which hospital you pick.
On top of the facility price, your actual bill depends on your deductible, your out-of-pocket maximum, and whether every provider involved - not just the facility - is in-network.
| Your situation | Estimated out-of-pocket |
|---|---|
| Deductible not yet met | ~$8,075 |
| Deductible met - 20% coinsurance | ~$1,615 |
| Out-of-network provider | $17,765+ |
Frequently asked questions: childbirth costs in North Dakota
How much does a childbirth cost in North Dakota?
Across 25 North Dakota hospitals that publish prices, a childbirth ranges from $100 to $23,928, with a median of $1,275. Most facilities fall between $1,060 and $2,408. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.
Where is the cheapest place to get a childbirth in North Dakota?
Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our North Dakota data is Essentia Health Fargo at about $118. By metro, Fargo has the lowest median ($516). Freestanding ambulatory surgery and imaging centers are often cheaper still and may not appear in hospital price data - ask your doctor whether one is an option.
Why is a childbirth so much cheaper at some North Dakota hospitals?
Prices vary up to 239.3× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In North Dakota, the median cash (self-pay) price is $1,307 versus a median negotiated rate of $347 - about 3.8× higher. Asking for the cash price or your insurer's negotiated rate is often the single biggest lever on what you pay.
How much will I actually pay out of pocket for a childbirth in North Dakota?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether the facility is in-network - not just the sticker price. If you have not met your deductible, you will typically pay the negotiated rate in full until you do. Use the CostKits cost forecaster to estimate your specific out-of-pocket amount before you go.
Before you book
- Deductible vs out-of-pocket max
- How to negotiate your medical bills
- EOB vs medical bill: complete guide
- Already have a bill? Check it for errors
Other procedures in North Dakota
Childbirth, elsewhere
Other North Dakota Hospitals for Childbirth
These hospitals are registered in the CMS National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry as active hospitals in North Dakota. Cost estimates use the bundled service model for each place of service. Contact them directly for a formal quote.
| Provider | City | Type | Est. Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ALTRU HEALTH SYSTEM
7017802311 |
GRAND FORKS, ND | General Acute Care Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ASHLEY MEDICAL CENTER
7012883433 |
ASHLEY, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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AURORA MEDICAL CENTER, LLC
7017322626 |
GRAND FORKS, ND | General Acute Care Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CARRINGTON HEALTH CENTER
7016523141 |
CARRINGTON, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CARRINGTON HEALTH CENTER
7016523141 |
CARRINGTON, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CAVALIER COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
7012566100 |
LANGDON, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CAVALIER COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
7012566100 |
LANGDON, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CHI ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL
7014564000 |
DICKINSON, ND | Rural Acute Care Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CHRISTIAN UNITY HOSPITAL CORPORATION
7013521620 |
GRAFTON, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CHRISTIAN UNITY HOSPITAL CORPORATION
7013521620 |
GRAFTON, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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COOPERSTOWN MEDICAL CENTER
7017861700 |
COOPERSTOWN, ND | Critical Access Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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DAKOTA SPECIALTY INSTITUTE
7013648051 |
FARGO, ND | General Acute Care Hospital | $634–$16,827 bundled est. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Est. cost = bundled estimate (facility fee + professional fee + anesthesia where applicable) based on CMS fee schedules and commercial rate multipliers. Contact each provider for an actual quote.
Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry. NPI numbers can be verified at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov.
What matters before you schedule
What's on your bill
A childbirth involves multiple providers who bill separately - typically Drg Facility Stay, Ob Physician Professional Fee, Epidural Anesthesia. Check each line item against your Explanation of Benefits to catch billing errors.
Cost by type
Which type your doctor orders for this childbirth changes the billing code, and what you pay. For example: A recognized variation that can change the billing code and what you owe.
Separate bills
A childbirth involves the facility, the operating physician, and often ancillary providers - each bills independently, and any one of them may be out-of-network even if the facility isn't. The No Surprises Act limits your exposure in many scenarios, but ask the facility to confirm every participating provider is in-network before your visit.
What to ask before you book
Get the CPT code from your doctor, confirm every provider involved (not just the facility) is in-network, ask for the cash-pay rate if you're uninsured or haven't met your deductible, and request a written estimate for childbirth before you schedule.
CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).
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About the Author
John Caruso, FSA, MAAA
Healthcare actuary with 20+ years of experience in insurance pricing, medical billing systems, and healthcare cost analytics.
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